Join Nathan's author newsletter
Dive into a mind-bending exploration of memory, time, and identity with Blake Crouch's "Recursion." Nat and Nathan dissect this thrilling sci-fi novel that pushes the boundaries of what's possible when memories become more than just recollections. They examine how Crouch masterfully expands the scope of his story from an intimate character study into a global crisis, while maintaining the emotional core that keeps readers invested.
The hosts compare "Recursion" to Crouch's previous work "Dark Matter," discussing how this new novel showcases his evolution as a writer and his ability to handle complex scientific concepts without losing the human element. They explore the book's unique take on time travel, its handling of consequences and causality, and how it differs from typical entries in the genre. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi thrillers or simply enjoy well-crafted narratives that make you think, this spoiler-free discussion (with a clearly marked spoiler section) will help you decide if "Recursion" should be your next read.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Recursion by Blake Crouch
[01:53] Time travel stories
[03:31] Improvements from Dark Matter to Recursion
[04:23] Analysis of antagonists
[04:57] Character development and emotional core
[06:03] Philosophical elements in time travel plot
[07:08] Critique of scientific resolution and story ending
[08:41] Analysis of opening hook and False Memory Syndrome setup
[09:54] How time travel mechanics are introduced
[11:38] How the story grows
[15:04] Examining Slade's motivations and character inconsistencies
[22:28] Critique of romance subplot development
[25:39] Impact of Barry's death on narrative structure
[28:03] Final recommendations and comparison to Dark Matter
[30:03] Updates on our writing projects
Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_drafts
Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod